West Maitland Dentistry Blog

Everyone deserves quality dental care, but we know that for many families it can seem out of their budget to get the services they need. Every budget is unique, which is why we don’t have a one-size-fits-all approach to our financial options at West Maitland Dentistry. We do everything we can to provide affordable dentistry to our community by being insurance-friendly, offering an in-house membership plan, and accepting CareCredit®. Here’s a little bit more about all three:

Dental Insurance

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when it comes to insurance, but we work hard to make sure that doesn’t happen to you. Our dental practice is in-network with many major insurance providers, including Aetna, Ameritas, Cigna, Delta, DHA, Guardian, Humana, MetLife, Sun Life, Principal, and United Healthcare. Even if we’re not in-network with your provider, we are still happy to accept all other PPOs as out-of-network providers.

Affordable In-House Membership Plan

Insurance can be a great way to make dental care more affordable, but for many different reasons, it’s not a good fit for everyone–and that’s okay! We have an alternative for you. Our in-house membership plan isn’t insurance, but that also means it doesn’t come with the hassles of insurance-like claim forms, maximums, and deductibles. Instead, you simply pay a yearly membership fee ($325 per year for new patients, $275 per year for current patients, and $245 for children under the age of 12) and then you’ll get your yearly routine preventive care (like professional cleanings, dental exams, X-rays, and fluoride treatments) totally covered, as well as a 15% discount on the rest of our dental services. It’s as easy as that!

CareCredit Financing

We’ve seen that simply being able to split up their treatment costs into smaller payments is just what patients need to work dental care into their budget. With CareCredit financing, you can do just that. This financing option is essentially like a credit card for your healthcare expenses. You can choose the payment plan that works for you and divide up the cost of your treatment into low, monthly installments. Some of these plan options are even interest-free!

More Questions? We Have Answers!

If you have additional questions about any of these financing options, please don’t hesitate to contact our dental office. Our team is here to make affordable dental care within reach for you and your family!

Struggling to get your child to brush or floss their teeth?  You’re not alone!  Getting your young one to brush or floss is a daily battle that most of us encounter.  Here are some tips and tricks to not only get your little one to have fun brushing but also get them on a life long track to great oral health!

Start early

The best time to start a good oral hygiene routine is before your child even get’s their first tooth.  When they are infants rub their gums with a wet wash cloth after feedings.  This helps establish a routine and also gets them comfortable with someone being in their mouth.

Music Makes the Mouth Open

Incorporate music to help add some fun during brushing and flossing time.  When brushing sing a song or dance to some music to make the time more exciting and special for your child.  A popular app that kids enjoy is Brush DJ.  This free app plays music for two minutes, turning brushing time into a dance party.   Dr. Dhaliwal uses this next trick with her daughter who loves to sing.  She sings a note, such as “laaaa’ and then has her four-year-old repeat it.  The louder she sings the wider she opens!

Tell a Story 

Sometimes distraction is key when it comes to dealing with children.  Telling stories can keep kids’ minds off of what is going on but can also make things more enjoyable.  Let your child’s imagination run wild by creating fun stories to go along with brushing.

If your creativity needs some help, give names or numbers to the teeth and brush until all the names or numbers have been called.  Likewise, using the term sugar bugs to describe plaque can help kids visualize what you are trying to brush out.  Keep brushing your little one’s teeth until you don’t see any more sugar bugs in their mouths.  Don’t forget to describe the color, shape, and size of each sugar bug you are brushing off!

Finally, if you need even more help, try out Star Teeth.  This is an app that allows kids to pick a character to cheer them on while brushing.

Copy Cats

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.  Keep that in mind when you perform your own brushing routine.  Children tend to pick up on and copy what they see.  Having a good oral hygiene routine yourself can rub off on your child.

When teaching them brushing and flossing skills try the tell, show, do the method.

Tell: Explain to your child how and why we brush our teeth in words they can understand.  Give them opportunities to ask questions as well.

Show: Demonstrate how you brush and floss teeth either on yourself or on a doll.  This way they can familiarize themselves with the process before you brush in their mouth.

*Do: *Brush and floss their teeth or help them if they need assistance.

Let Them Choose…

Get your child more involved when it comes to picking out their toothbrush, toothpaste and mouth rinse flavors. This will make them feel more excited and in control of the whole process.  There are so many different characters themed toothbrushes for sale now.  Find one that engages and excites your child.  Try a toothbrush that either is electric or has a light timer that changes from green to yellow to red.  Keep kids excited by allowing them to pick out a few of their favorite ones to switch up daily.

Game On

Another way to make brushing more enjoyable is by making it into a game.  While you are brushing their teeth, let them brush either their baby doll’s teeth or your teeth.  A good way for your children to have fun and visualize brushing habits is with the use of a disclosing tablet.  After chewing, these tablets stain plaque a pink, purple or blue color.  Let your child “erase” these colorful “sugar bugs” with their toothbrush.

Rewards

When all else fails, a little bribe goes a long way.  Positive reinforcement is a great tool to get kids on the right track when it comes to their brushing.  Dr. Dhaliwal uses this trick when it comes to her daughter’s oral hygiene routine.  She makes a monthly chart, let her choose a sticker to put on it for every morning and night she brushes and flosses.  At the end of the month, she lets her pick out a small prize for her achievement.

Remember when it comes to children’s brushing and flossing make sure the routine is consistent. For children under five, brush after them to remove plaque they have missed.  Children between five and eight can brush on their own but should be supervised.  If you need a refresher on how to keep children’s teeth healthy, check out our blog we posted earlier in the year.  The most important tip we can give you is to be patient and have fun.  We hope you enjoy these tips and have fun brushing!

If you have any questions about your child’s oral health or to schedule their first visit give us a call!

Everyone wants a bright beautiful smile which is why a good oral hygiene routine is so important!  Poor oral hygiene can lead to dental and medical problems such as gum disease, bad breath, bone loss, infections and heart disease.  You can prevent these issues with regular cleanings and exams and good oral hygiene habits.

These are 10 tips that Dr. Dhaliwal recommends to promote better oral hygiene.

One: Floss More for Better Oral Hygiene

When flossing make sure to use a piece of floss about 18 inches long.  Wrap the floss tightly between your middle fingers of each hand.  Gently guide it in-between your teeth.  When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C and wrap it around each tooth.   Gently rub it up and down.  Switch to the adjacent tooth and wrap it around the tooth in a C shape again.  Gently lift the floss out of the contact and repeat for each tooth.  Don’t forget to floss each end of the tooth even if it doesn’t have an adjacent tooth next to it.

Two: Brush Properly

When you brush place your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle against your gum.  Start at your gums and move the toothbrush gently back and forth in short, tooth wide strokes.  Make sure you get every surface of the tooth.  Replace your toothbrush every 3 months or when the bristles start splaying.

Three: Don’t Forget the Tongue

Plaque can accumulate on your tongue causing bad breath.  This plaque can easily be removed with a tongue scraper or with a tooth brush.  If the plaque is difficult to remove consult your dentist.

Four: Drink More Water

Fluoridated water can decrease cavities.  Drink water with meals or after eating and drinking sweet treats to help wash away the sugar.  Sipping water throughout the day can also help prevent cavities in patients with dry mouth.

Five: Use Mouthwash After Brushing and Flossing

An antimicrobial mouthwash can help decrease the bacteria in your mouth.  Mouth rinses with fluoride can also help decrease your chances of decay.  Mouth wash may not be recommended in children under six due to their inability to spit properly.

Six: Don’t Go to Bed Without Brushing Your Teeth

Whatever you eat or drink will stay on your teeth for hours if you don’t brush before bed.  Brushing and flossing before bed allows for hours of a clean mouth and leads to improved oral hygiene.

Seven: Use a Fluoride Toothpaste

A fluoride toothpaste will help remineralize teeth and decrease the chances of cavities.  There are many toothpastes on the market so discuss with your dentist which one is right for you.

Eight: Do Not Use Tobacco Products

Tobacco products can accelerate bone loss, cause bad breath and can lead to oral cancer.  Smokeless tobacco can change the composition of your tissue and can lead to oral cancer as well.  Visit https://smokefree.gov/ if you need help quitting.

Nine: Use a Straw

Sugary drinks can cause cavities.  Dark drinks can cause staining.  Use a straw to decrease the contact between the drinks you consume and your teeth.  This will improve your oral hygiene by decreasing the chance for cavities and staining.

Ten: Visit Your Dentist on a Regular Basis

It is important to get your teeth cleaned at least every 6 months.  Even if you have no natural teeth or have dentures be sure to visit your dentist regularly.  The dentist not only checks your teeth and gums for any diseases but performs important exams on all the other tissues of your mouth such as oral cancer screenings.

Did you know April 11 is National Pet Day? Celebrate all month long by improving the ways in which you care for your pet’s health! At West Maitland Dentistry, many of our team are pet owners. While we adore our four-legged friends, we understand it can feel a bit overwhelming to remember every little bit of keeping your pet healthy. You probably have the basics of pet ownership down, but did you know that your pets need regular dental care? Read on to learn more about caring for your pet’s smile to ensure they lead a long and comfortable life with healthy gums and strong teeth.

Pet Oral Care Tips

• Start Healthy Habits Early

The perfect time to start brushing your pet’s teeth is when they are young. If you can get your puppy or kitten accustomed to regular brushing early, it’ll be an expected part of their day once they’re full grown. However, if you have a teenager, middle-aged, or senior pet, don’t give up hope! These animals will just require a bit more encouragement and patience.

• Use the Right Tools

In order to care for your pet’s teeth, you’ll need the right supplies. Make sure you get an enzymatic toothpaste specially formulated for pets, as human toothpaste can be poisonous to pets. Most pet stores sell specialized toothpaste in a flavor your pet will love, like poultry or bacon. You’ll also need a soft-bristled toothbrush with a long handle to reach all the crevices in your pet’s mouth. In a pinch, some gauze wrapped around your finger can work, too. Additionally, supplementing your pet’s oral hygiene routine with a yummy dental chew treat is a great way to help break up plaque between brushings.

• Be Gentle

Choose a location that is familiar and comfortable for your pet. Then, just like with your own teeth, you’ll want to gently, but thoroughly, clean each of your pet’s teeth. If you brush too vigorously, you could damage their enamel or irritate their gums. For optimal oral health, brush your pet’s teeth once each day to help them avoid bad breath, tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.

• Maintain Regular Checkups

Just like humans need professional cleanings to supplement their at-home hygiene routine, your pets will need the same thing. Most pets should receive a yearly professional cleaning from their veterinarian.

Healthy Teeth for Every “National Pet Day”

By adopting a consistent routine of caring for your pet’s dental health, you can ensure their teeth stay healthy their entire life. Your pet will be able to eat comfortably and pain-free, and you’ll be protected from many emergency expenses related to common dental issues for dogs and cats. And every National Pet Day, you can post a picture of your furry companion with a beautiful smile that is healthy and well taken care of.

Remember Your Own Oral Health!

While you’re caring for your pet’s mouth, remember to keep up with your own oral hygiene by brushing and flossing every day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste, and coming to see us every six months for a checkup. To ask our team any questions about how to properly care for your teeth or to schedule your next visit to our office, contact us today.

The link between gum disease and other health issues has brought gum disease to the forefront. The association between this common disease and other systemic health issues makes it even more important to have your gingiva evaluated for any sort of inflammation and to treat it. There are two types of gum disease we will discuss, gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. The term gingivitis means inflammation of the gums (gingiva). This gum disease occurs when a film of bacteria containing plaque settles on your tooth. This bacteria on your tooth will cause the gums to become red, inflamed and irritated. Swollen gums that bleed easily is a common first sign of gingivitis.

This disease can occur in patients that lack a good oral hygiene routine. More susceptible patients are those that do not brush and floss often enough or correctly. Those who skip out on regular cleaningswith their dentists are susceptible as well.

At this stage, the gum disease is classified as non-destructive because it hasn’t traveled yet into the bone surrounding your teeth.  When gingivitis is not treated it can progress into periodontal disease.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontitis occurs when the destruction of the gingiva, bone, and surrounding tissues occurs.  This is much more serious since once destroyed it is not reversible.

When plaque accumulates on your mouth, it will calcify if not removed becoming calculus, commonly known as tartar. This tartar will build up both above and below the gingiva, making it difficult to clean off. Bacteria found in the calculus causes an inflammatory response which leads to the destruction of the tissue.   Pockets form where the bone structure is lost.  At this stage, a regular cleaning is not enough.  Your dentist or hygienist will perform a scaling or deep cleaning to clean out the calculus from the pockets.

Symptoms include swollen gums that bleed easily when touched, sensitive teeth, build up visibly seen on teeth and bad breath.  The bone destruction from periodontal disease can become so severe that teeth can become loose or even fall out.

Risks

Certain factors increase your chances of getting gum disease. These include:

• Smoking
• Inconsistent dental cleanings
• Poor oral hygiene, irregular flossing, and brushing
• Genetics
• Misaligned, crowded teeth
• Grinding or clenching your teeth
• Poor nutrition
• Fluctuating hormones for example during pregnancy
• Immunocompromised individuals
• Stress
• Medications

Prevention

Gum disease can be prevented by brushing twice a day, for two minutes, flossing at least once a day, using an antimicrobial mouth wash and seeing your dentist at least twice a year.  Visit our blog on oral hygiene to get tips on how to prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease.

For the latest information and more resources about gum disease visit the American Academy of Periodontology website.

If you are worried about gum disease call our office for an exam to see what your options are.  Also, don’t forget to make your cleaning appointment with Dr. D to prevent gum disease!

Are you wondering if it’s time for your child to visit the dentist for the first time? Within six months of when your child receives their first baby tooth, or by the time they are one year old, it’s important to take them for a dental checkup. Here, we’ll explain what to expect during this first dental visit!

Finding a Dentist

If you are in need of a superb dentist for your child, come visit us here at West Maitland Dentistry! We have experience treating patients of all ages. If you have dental insurance, check with your insurance company to make sure we are in-network. We accept Aetna, Ameritas, Cigna, Delta, DHA, Guardian, Humana, MetLife, Sun Life, Principal, and United Healthcare. All other PPOs are considered out-of-network. Our office also accepts financing through CareCredit and offers various in-house membership plans to cover your yearly dental costs.

Before the Visit

Even before you head to our office for your child’s first visit, it’s important that you prepare your child and yourself for what is to come. Make sure that your child has eaten enough and slept well so they’re not fussy during the appointment. Pack their favorite blanket, stuffed animal, book, or teething toy to help them feel comfortable. For your peace of mind, write down a list of questions you’d like to ask our team about your child’s oral health. Additionally, check your dental insurance regarding your coverage and any copay. It’s also a good idea to bring a list of your child’s medications and to know your family’s medical history.

During the First Dental Visit

Your child’s first dental visit serves several purposes. First, it’s a simple way to familiarize your child with visiting the dentist and taking care of their oral health early on. The appointment will allow your child to meet their dentist in a friendly, non-threatening way. We will also educate you on proper oral care for your child by demonstrating proper brushing and flossing techniques, and we’ll answer any dental-related questions you may have. Additionally, the visit will involve a brief oral exam of their baby teeth and gums to make sure there are no early signs of decay and that their mouth is developing normally.

Schedule Your Kid’s First Checkup!

If you have any other questions about your child’s first dental visit or want to schedule an appointment for them, contact us today.

This week our topic of conversation is on orthodontics. Dr. Dhaliwal will go over everything you need to know about braces, from when your child should get them to how they can keep them clean.

Why do Kids Need Braces

There are numerous reasons why your child may need braces. When a dentist recommends braces it is usually to improve the child’s oral health and not necessarily for cosmetic purposes only. If your child’s teeth are overlapping, crooked or overcrowded then it can be difficult for them to keep them clean.

If your child’s teeth are protruding out, they can damage them if they fall or get hit in the mouth. It may also make it harder for them to close their lips all the way or make speech difficult.

An open bite, where the front teeth don’t hit each other will make it difficult for your child to bite down on foods, such as apples. Often open bites are often caused by extended use of the pacifier or a thumb-sucking habit. With early intervention, this can often be corrected.

What Age Should my Child Get Them?

There is no right or wrong answer when your child should get braces.  Every child has different dental issues or none. If you start seeing any crowding or alignment issues, it is never too early to discuss with your child’s dentist about the possibility of braces. The American Academy of Orthodontists recommends a consultation at age 7 to discuss the need for orthodontics. A typical age that an orthodontist will start treating children is between 10 to 14. This age will facilitate the teeth shifting faster since the child is growing faster which can mean less time in braces for them.

If you notice issues early on talk to your child’s dentist about getting a consult sooner. Some orthodontists can provide an early orthodontic phase to help your child not be in braces as long when they get older. Although your child may have to be in braces twice, less time in braces means the less likely your child will get cavities around them.

Seeing an orthodontist early does not necessarily mean that treatment will start right away. The orthodontist will determine a course of action and figure out the best timing for your child.

Types of Braces

There are several types of braces now. All of them use some sort of pressure on your teeth to shift them into a correct position.

The most typical type of braces consists of metal brackets and bands.   The brackets attach to the front of the teeth and the bands wrap completely around the molars. With metal braces, often rubber rings and bands are used. The metal brackets can sometimes even go behind the teeth, depending on what type of movement is needed.

The metal braces can also come with a white coating over them or can be ceramic to mask the metal look. These will still provide the same force as the metal ones but are more esthetic.

A more popular type of braces in recent years are clear removable aligners.  These are plastic trays, also known as aligners, that the patient takes in and out of their mouth. Aligners are great for maintaining oral hygiene since the patient can brush and floss normally. These types of braces only work if they are in your mouth.  Patient compliance can determine whether these are a good alternative for you or your teenager.

How to Keep Your Teeth Clean with Orthodontics

Patients with braces need to pay a little extra attention to their teeth.  Flossing daily and brushing after each meal can help prevent cavities.  Brackets and wires are food traps and need proper cleaning with brushing, flossing, and a water pik can help as well. An addition of fluoride mouth rinse or fluoride treatments can help prevent staining and cavities.

Things to avoid are hard and sticky foods, such as popcorn, ice, gum, and caramels, which can pop off the brackets or bend the wires. If any part of your braces becomes damaged make sure to call your orthodontist right away. Avoid drinking excessive amounts of juices and sodas which can cause cavities.

For patients that are wearing the clear aligners it is important to take them off before eating. Also, it is important to not drink anything besides water when wearing the aligners.

Will Braces Hurt

Braces work by applying a small amount of pressure to the tooth in order to move it. At each visit, the orthodontist will tighten the wires which will apply more pressure. This pressure, especially at the first appointment can cause mild discomfort. Taking over the counter pain medications before and after your appointment as well as a soft food diet can help alleviate the discomfort.

Sometimes the ends of the wires or brackets can cause some irritation of the lips or cheeks. Using orthodontic wax to cover any sharp edges can really help cut down on the irritation. If your encounter extremely sharp edges that are painful make sure your orthodontist is aware.

Orthodontics can be a long process but in the end, a lifetime of a corrected bite is worth it. Call to make an appointment with Dr. Dhaliwal if you have any questions about braces for either you or your child.

Welcome to West Maitland Dentistry! We proudly serve patients in the beautiful Maitland area. Our team does all we can to help our patients have superb oral health. Today, we want to introduce you to the expert dentist behind it all: Dr. Avni Patel Dhaliwal.

Avni Patel Dhaliwal, DDS

Education

A North Carolina native, Dr. Dhaliwal earned her BS in Psychology and Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2004, where she also obtained her DDS degree in 2009.

Illinois to Florida

After dental school, Dr. Dhaliwal began practicing in Illinois. Eight bitterly cold winters were enough to convince her and her family to move down by family and friends to the warm Orlando area, where they’ve been ever since.

Giving Back

Dr. Dhaliwal is thrilled to make every patient’s dental experiences as comfortable, relaxing, and stress-free as possible. She also loves giving back to the community whenever she can.  She frequently participates in missions and mercy clinics to provide dental care to those who cannot afford it otherwise. In fact, one of her most cherished memories is of a mission trip that she took to Mexico to deliver dental care to children at an orphanage. Additionally, she was awarded the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship for establishing an effective oral healthcare program for patients living in assisted living facilities.

Hobbies

In her spare time, Dr. Dhaliwal loves to travel, run, root for the Tar Heels, and spend time with her husband and two daughters.

Professional Organizations

Dr. Dhaliwal is a member of the Florida Dental Association, the Dental Society of Greater Orlando, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Academy of Sleep Dental Medicine and the American Dental Association. She is also Invisalign® certified.

We Love Our Patients!

Dr. Dhaliwal and the West Maitland Dentistry team encourage all our patients to maintain exceptional daily oral hygiene and to commit to regular professional checkups and cleanings. We offer a wide range of services and flexible financing options to ensure that every patient can enjoy optimal oral health. Contact us for more information and to request an appointment today. We look forward to seeing you and your smile soon!

It is common for children to have injuries while growing up.  It is even more common for the trauma to happen in their mouth or on their teeth.  The treatment for the tooth depends on the amount of damage done to the tooth.  This week’s post we will go over different types of trauma and what to do when it happens.

Fractures from Trauma

Fractures are the most common problems that kids have after a trauma to the teeth.  The fractures can be small where a simple composite resin, known as tooth-colored filling, can cover the area.  If the fracture is small enough this can be the permanent option.  These tooth-colored fillings may need to be redone in the future though as your child’s teeth color and shape change with age and time.

The fracture can expose the pulp of the tooth, leading to a need for more complex treatment.  The pulp of the tooth is the layer of the tooth that holds its blood vessels and the nerves.  If the pulp is exposed to the bacteria in your child’s mouth it can become infected and may need a root canal and crown to save the tooth.  Even if the pulp isn’t exposed just the trauma itself can do enough damage to the pulp where a root canal will still be needed.

Knocked-Out of Position

If your child has an injury and you notice the tooth is no longer in alignment with the rest of the teeth call your dentist immediately.  They can move it back into position and often times the ligaments that hold your tooth in place can reattach to the tooth.  A root canal may be needed so your child may be sent to an endodontic specialist to evaluate the tooth’s vitality.

After your dentist places the tooth back into the position he or she may need to splint the teeth together.  They will anchor the displaced tooth to the teeth next to it to give the tooth stability while the ligaments and bone reattach.

A Tooth that is Completely Out

When your child has a severe blow to the face sometimes the tooth can completely come out of the mouth.

Baby Teeth

If the tooth is a baby tooth do not try to place it back in.  These teeth are not replaced since the adult tooth is typically underneath.  It is important to still make an appointment with your dentist.  If the tooth is out prematurely, a space maintainer may be necessary to keep room for the permanent tooth to come in.

Permanent Teeth

If it is a permanent tooth do not throw away it away!  Most of the time these teeth can be saved with a little TLC.  Gently rinse any dirt or debris off the tooth with water or milk.  Do not scrape or scrub it since there are still the periodontal ligaments attached to it.  These fibers are important in aiding the tooth to integrate back into the mouth.  After the debris is rinsed off gently place it back in the socket as soon as possible and call your dentist to make an appointment. When placing the tooth back in, handle it only by the crown of the tooth, not the root.  The crown of the tooth is the top of the tooth that is usually visible in the mouth.  The root is the bottom layer of the tooth that isn’t visible and is usually under the bone.

Don’t be forceful when trying to place the tooth back in the socket.  If the tooth does not easily go back in, place it in one of the following: saline solution (saltwater), milk or saliva.  Water is not a great option.  If there is no milk or saline solution available and the child is old enough not to accidentally swallow the tooth, they may hold it in their check if the dentist’s office is a short distance away.  You may also wrap it in a wet napkin to ensure it stays moist.  Do not use a dry napkin.

If your dentist can place the tooth back into its socket within an hour there is a good chance for survival.  They will still assess the need for a root canal or splint.

Trauma Take Home Points

• Wear a mouthguard when playing sports to minimize the risk of damage to teeth.
• Correct your child’s bite with orthodontics.  It has been shown that kids that have protruding teeth that are flared out are more likely to have damage to their teeth.
• Call your dentist as soon as any trauma occurs to your child’s tooth.  Seeing a dentist as soon as possible will give you the best chance of saving your child’s teeth.
• Place ice packs in the area of the trauma to help reduce pain and swelling.
• If your dentist cannot see you immediately and the chip is small, place orthodontic wax or sugar-free gum in the area to cover up any sharp edges.
• Try to get your child to avoid forming habits of chewing on hard substances like ice, hard candies and pencils.

Accidents happen but follow these tips to help make sure your child has the best chance to keep their teeth!  Ask us how Dr. D can make a custom sports mouth guard for your child to help prevent some of these injuries!

At West Maitland Dentistry, we celebrate National Children’s Health Month by sharing knowledge about a common problem that most new parents don’t even realize!  Baby bottle tooth decay is a totally preventable disease, so this week we’re highlighting what it is and what actions you can implement to prevent it!

What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay and How Does it Happen?

Baby bottle tooth decay occurs when an infant or young child get cavities.  These cavities are usually found in the upper teeth can occur anywhere in the mouth.  This decay occurs when the child drinks liquids over a long period of time.  Most drinks have sugars in them, whether natural like those in milk, or artificially found like in juices and sodas.  When a child drinks through a bottle over a long period of time these sugars rest on the child’s tooth.  Bacteria in the mouth digest these sugars and then excrete acid.  The acid secreted than causes the teeth to decay, eventually becoming cavities.

Who is Most Likely to Get Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

• When infants drink milk, juices or sodas during naps or bedtime they become more susceptible since the sugars remain on their teeth.  Also when we sleep our saliva rates decrease making it harder for those sugars to be rinsed off the teeth.
• Babies using pacifiers dipped in sugar or syrup are also susceptible to this disease.
• Children who don’t have adequate fluoride in their diet are more likely to get baby bottle tooth decay.
• Finally, when a parent shares saliva with their baby, the bacteria from their saliva gets transferred to their baby, making it easier for the baby to get cavities.

How to Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

The good news is that baby bottle tooth decay is totally preventable!  Here are some easy tips to prevent your child from getting cavities:

• Don’t leave your child with a bottle during naps or bedtimes.
• Have your infant finish their bottles before bedtime.
• Avoid sugary drinks in their bottles, like juice and sodas.  Stick to milk, breast milk or formula when giving your child a bottle.
• Start your child in the habit brushing by cleaning their gums with a wet washcloth to wipe down excess milk after each feeding.
• Brush baby teeth after each night time meal.  Brush with a small smear of toothpaste (think the size of a rice grain) until the age of 3, from 3 to 6/7 use a small pea-sized amount.  Supervise your child to make sure they don’t swallow excess fluoride.
• Test well water to ensure your child is getting adequate fluoride in their diet.
• Do not dip your child’s pacifier in any sugar, honey or sugary substances before giving it to them.
• Do not clean your child’s pacifier by using your own mouth.
• spoons with your child, even if testing their food, use a separate utensil.
• Encourage your child to drink out of a cup by their first birthday.

We recommend bringing your child to their dentist after the appearance of their first tooth.   Schedule your appointment with Dr. Dhaliwal to discuss any questions you have about your child’s oral health.  Remember that early healthy habits lead to lifelong healthy teeth!